What is ISO 4920?

ISO 4920:2022 is officially titled:

"Textiles β€” Determination of resistance to surface wetting (spray test)"

This standard specifies a test method to assess the resistance of fabric surfaces to wetting by water. It uses a spray test, where water is sprayed on the fabric and the wetting pattern is compared against a standard rating chart.

Applicable to a wide range of textile materials, ISO 4920 is especially relevant for:

  1. Outdoor and rainwear garments
  2. Workwear and protective clothing
  3. Upholstery and interior textiles
  4. Tents, tarpaulins, and technical textiles


Why is ISO 4920 important?

In real-world use, fabrics are exposed to varying degrees of waterβ€”be it rain, splashes, or humidity. Poor surface repellency can result in:

🌧️ Discomfort for the wearer

🧫 Increased microbial growth

πŸ“‰ Reduced fabric lifespan

❌ Failure to meet functional performance claims

ISO 4920 allows manufacturers to objectively test and rate how well a fabric resists surface wetting, helping ensure performance and customer satisfaction.

What are the benefits of ISO 4920?

Implementing ISO 4920-compliant testing brings significant quality and performance assurance:

πŸ’§ Accurate Water Repellency Measurement

Classifies fabric wetting performance on a 0 to 5 spray rating scale.

πŸ§ͺ Non-Destructive and Simple Test

Uses minimal resources and time, perfect for routine quality checks.

πŸ§₯ Supports Functional and Technical Clothing Development

Ensures garments perform as expected under wet conditions.

πŸ“ Quantitative and Repeatable Results

Provides a standardized way to compare materials and treatments.

βœ… Validates Coating or Finishing Processes

Confirms the effectiveness of water-repellent finishes and DWR (Durable Water Repellency) treatments.


What kind of businesses can benefit from ISO 4920?

Partnering with GMC to implement ISO 4920 helps your business:

βœ… Ensure Product Performance and Durability

Deliver fabrics that maintain their comfort and function even in wet conditions.

βœ… Meet Industry and Buyer Specifications

Satisfy quality requirements from brands, retailers, and procurement agencies.

βœ… Strengthen Market Credibility

Demonstrate commitment to ISO-tested, performance-assured products.

βœ… Reduce Returns and Complaints

Fewer customer issues due to underperforming water-resistant materials.

βœ… Support Certification for Eco and Technical Labels

ISO-compliant testing supports eligibility for eco-labels, protective gear approvals, etc.

βœ… Gain Competitive Advantage

Set your textile products apart with validated water-repellent performance.


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